[2][1] This species was initially encountered in August 1970 in Brasília National Park.

[3] The species was named dekeyseri in honor of French zoologist Pierre Louis Dekeyser.

Home ranges consist of almost equal parts of the cerrado biome and pasture.

Plants comprising its diet include Hymenaea stigonocarpa, members of the Bauhinia genus (B. cupulata, B. multinervia, B. brevipes, B. megalandra, B. pauletia, B. ungulata, B. rufa), and Luehea trees.

They emerge from their roosts shortly after dusk, and return just before dawn in the rainy season.

[1] One of the threats to this species is inappropriate efforts to eradicate vampire bats.

Current vampire bat management practices have serious and significant negative effects on its population.

It is listed as endangered because the population likely consists of fewer than 2,500 individuals, its distribution is patchy and limited, and its suitable habitat is rapidly declining.